Clean feet foot wash

ABSTRACT

Improvements in a foot washing device is disclosed. The improvements include the use of air with water to increase the washing efficiency with minimal use of water. The device is ideally used where clean water is limited such as on a boat, ship or other device where a person enters the boat with sand dirt or debris on not only the bottom but also the sides and top of the feet. The device blows water and air over the top of the feet and under the feet to wash off the sand. The amount of cleaning force is critical to reduce sand that can leave the feet and enter into the boat. The water can be filtered and recycled to reduce clean water use. The device may further include its own power supply, chemical cleaning agent and a water heating or cooling mechanism.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of applicant's co-pendingapplication Ser. No. 61/181,257 filed May 26, 1009 the entire contentsof which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The removal of sand from feet is important to minimize damage to thecarpeting and deck of a boat. In some locations, such as on the ocean,the supply of clean water is limited and while there may be water thatis available around a boat the quality of the water is oftenquestionable. To minimize the amount of water that is being used and tooptimize the velocity of the limited water that is being sprayed, thewater is supplemented with air pressure or a vacuum to increase the flowrate and enhance the removal of debris from feet.

Field of the Invention

Description of Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR1.97 and 1.98

This invention relates to improvements in a foot washing mechanism. Moreparticularly the present foot washing mechanism uses a limited waterreservoir with an air assist to improve the removal of sand and debrisfrom feet. Most foot washing devices operate with either a bath of wateror with water that is supplied from a nearly infinite source of waterwith high spray pressure. Exemplary examples of foot washing devises arefound in the following references.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,654,894 issued Oct. 13, 1953 to C. M. G. Van Dijckdiscloses a Foot Bath. The weight of a person on the apparatus opens avalve to allow water to flow through the open grates of the apparatusand spray up at the bottom of the feet. While this apparatus providessome cleaning to the feet the water is sprayed upwards at the feet andnot downward. Because of the spray direction and sand would be furtherblown onto the legs of a person instead of off of them. This apparatusfurther uses water supplied from a nearly infinite supply and the wateris not assisted with air to provide some drying.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,925,830 issued Dec. 16, 1975 to Francis Bud Delaneydiscloses a Foot Shower and Spray Device. This device is intended foruse at the base of a water slide ladder to wash debris off a foot. Whena user steps onto the devise water is sprayed at the sides of a foot towash off any debris. While this device provides some cleaning of a footthe direction of the spray allows the debris to be washed onto the legsof a user. The device further uses water from a hose and does notutilize air to promote drying.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,173,972 issued Dec. 29, 1992 to John D. Goodmandiscloses an Automatic Foot Washer. The foot washer uses a hose tosupply water to slots placed around a central platform. While thiswasher provides basic foot washing function the water sprays across thetop of the foot to push debris around the top of the foot and theleg(s). This washer uses pressure from a city water supply, does notre-circulate the water and does not use air pressure to supplement thewashing.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,720 issued Nov. 29, 1994 discloses a Foot WasherApparatus. This apparatus also uses a city water supply for thepressurized water that is sprayed over the top of the users' feet. Theapparatus does not recycle the water and does not use air to assist inthe washing process.

What is needed is a portable foot washer that can be placed at locationthat is distal from a water source that washes feet with a combinationof air and water. The proposed foot washer provides this solution with aportable foot washer having its own water reservoir and pressurized airtank.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the clean feet foot wash to provide a water reservoirfor storing water that may not be available at the location where thefoot was is being used. The water storage tank can be connected to anavailable fresh water storage tank or a separate or an existing watertank. Typically this water supply has little or no pressure to createflow of any velocity. The water can be recycled to minimize water useusing a simple filter mechanism to strain sand or debris from thereclaimed water. The filter can be a simple mesh or metal strainer wherethe debris is easily discarded. If a larger amount of water is availablethe sand and debris can be drained from the foot wash and not recycled.

It is an object of the clean feet foot wash to provide a pump toincrease the amount of pressure for the water that is being used to washfeet. This water pump is connected to the water storage tank and caneither be a separate water pump or can connect to an existing pump. Thepump can be used to further increase the water pressure to increase thespraying/washing pressure.

It is an object of the clean feet foot wash to use air in combinationwith the water. An air compressor is used to increase the velocity ofthe water being used and also to provide some drying to the feet. Theair can be stored in an air tank to increase the volume of air that isquickly available. The air pump can operate with a lower powerrequirement to store air when the wash is not being used. It is alsocontemplated that a vacuum system can be incorporated to increase thevelocity of water being sprayed. The vacuum can also be used to assistin drying wet feet.

It is another object clean feet foot wash to be self-contained with itsown rechargeable power supply. The rechargeable power supply can beconnected to an 110AC or 12DC supply to recharge on-board batteries.Because the foot wash is self powered a switching mechanism allows thefoot washer to be temporally operated when a user steps upon the footwash. When the user is no longer on the foot washer the foot washer canrecycle any water and recharge any air storage tank to prepare for thenext person.

It is still another object clean feet foot wash for the spraying jets toexist both on the outsides of the feet as well as between the feet. Thisallows the foot washer to spray all around the feet and wash debris intothe bottom of the washer and ensures a more complete wash withoutremoving just the sand or debris from the outer legs and outsides of thefeet.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with theaccompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the foot washing device.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a first embodiment the foot washing device.

FIG. 3 shows a side cross sectional view of the first embodiment withouta person on the feet washer.

FIG. 4 shows a side cross sectional view of the first embodiment with aperson on the feet washer.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the feetwasher.

FIG. 6 shows a side cross sectional view of the second embodiment of thefeet washer.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the footwasher.

FIG. 8 shows a side cross sectional view of the third embodiment of thefeet washer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the foot washing device 10. The footwashing device has a step pad or platform 11 in a basin 31 that is shownand described in FIGS. 2-8. The device is self contained where some orall of the components are enclosed within the basin. These componentsare shown in the block diagram outside of the basin, but are preferablyenclosed within or in the underside of the basin. In general whensufficient weight is placed on the step pad 11 the weight activates aswitching mechanism 13 that activates the device 10. The switch 13 opensa water valve 14 and or an air valve 15. In one embodiment the air andwater flow through different lines into the basin 31. In an alternativeembodiment the water and air lines are combined 21 where they flow intothe basin 31.

The device 10 can be self contained with a power supply 20 such as abattery or can be powered from an external power supply 25. The externalpower supply 25 can charge the power supply 20 (battery) for selfcontained operation. The power supply provides power to an aircompressor 18, a pump 17 and a thermal device 29. While a thermal device29 is shown and described this device is an option and is not arequirement of any embodiment. The thermal device 29 provides for anadjustment of the temperature of the water and or air that is emittedinto the basin 31. Fluid could be applied at different temperatures(hot, warm or cold). It is further contemplated that the device 10 canbe used only with air.

The power supply operates the pump 17. The pump 17 moves water fromeither a fresh water supply 24 and or from a water tank 19. The watertank 19 can be the bottom of the basin 31. Collecting and reusing waterfrom the bottom of the basin 31 allows for a more efficient use ofwater. A filter 23 removes sand and or other debris from the bottom ofthe basin through a drain 12. Drain system would immediately empty backinto the water such as a direct transom mount system or run through ahose 22 to a water tank 19 or a return that is mounted with a thru holein the side of the boat that would be standard in a marine application.It is also contemplated that the foot wash has a connection 40 for anexternal water supply.

The fresh water can be a city water supply, from a holding tank 24 of avehicle such as a boat or RV or can be pumped from a lake or ocean. Thepump 17 can also be the pump from a boat or RV. The size, volume andpressure of the pump will be dependent upon the integration and mixingof the water flow with the pressure, and flow through the aircompressor.

The pump 17 pumps water through an optional thermal device. A soap orchemical dispenser 30 is optionally included to provide an addedcleaning agent to the water being pumped. The soap or chemical dispenser30 aids in cleaning and can also provide for more sanitary feet. This isespecially important when the water is from an ocean or otherpotentially contaminated source that can include organisms that cancause mold or other undesirable growths.

The power supply 20 also powers an air compressor 18. In one embodimentthe air compressor pressurizes an air tank 16. The air tank allows foran increase in the amount and pressure that can be dispensed because theair compressor can operate when a person is not on the platform 11. Acombination of water or chemical and air pressure is emitted once theactivation switch has been applied. The emitted spray is precisiondirected to minimize the amount of fluid and overspray. In the preferredembodiment the air compressor 18 is a small air compressor that isintegrated into the hosing system. The air compressor 18 could operateas both an air compressor for the feet wash and for emergency use withan inflatable. The air tank 16 can also operate as a vacuum tank to drawwater through the basin 31.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a first embodiment the foot washing device10. FIG. 3 shows a side cross sectional view of the first embodimentwithout a person on the feet washer. FIG. 4 shows a side cross sectionalview of the first embodiment with a person on the feet washer. FIG. 5shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the feet washer 10.The item numbers are identified in one or more of these figures. Thesefigures should be viewed as a collective group that identifies the firstpreferred embodiment.

The foot wash 10 has a foot pad 11. In FIG. 2 the top of the foot pad 11is shown with the indicia of bare feet to show how they should be placedonto the pads within the basin 31. The basin 31 is preferably made outof a mold and or injected plastic, composite, steel or Fiberglass butother materials are contemplated that will provide equivalent function.The basin 31 can be configured for an over-mount, under-mount or apartial configuration of both. In these figures the basin 31 is shownmounted into a deck 32. The shape of the basin is shaped to allow aperson to step onto the step pad 11 to compress the springs 28 to allowthe step pad 11 to sink to a level that is about the same height as thedeck 32. The step pad 11 platform(s) could be molded out of plastics andor composites, light weight none corrosive aluminum metal. Theypreferably have a mesh or waffled pattern to allow air and waterintroduction from side and below. FIGS. 3-8 show the waffle pattern.Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 that show cross sections of the feet washin an unloaded (FIG. 3) and a loaded (FIG. 4) configuration.

When a person stands on the step pad a switch hydraulic or spring 28resistance lowers the foot or feet into basin 31 to desired depth. Thepath of the step pad is guided by the guide pins 34. The activation iseither continual, with an external or internal switch 13 or pressuresensing activating by pressure lowering the platform applying pressureon the hydraulic or spring 28 system. A water pump 17 and or an air pumpor compressor 18 sprays 35 the water and or air combination through thejet(s) 27 and or bubbles from bubblers 26 placed on the bottom of thefeet wash 10. The bubbling water-air combination provides water withminimal splash or overspray while providing removal of surface debrisfrom feet. Metal or composite tips direct air and/or water. Once aspecific peripheral diameter is identified it could be added to coverthe most efficient design. Tips or heads 26 and 27 can be changeable fordifferent regions with different—conditions of sand and debris that mustbe removed from feet. The configuration of the feet wash has a centralhub 39 with spray jets 27 that exist on the central hub 39 to washbetween the feet instead of washing the outsides of the feet.

It is contemplated that initially the washing spray 35 comes from jets27, then from a combination of jets 27 and bubblers 26 to remove thesand and or debris. The device may then only spray 35 air from the jetsto dry and push any sand or debris into the drain. A filter 23 can beoptionally included to capture some of the particles before the waterexits the drain 12.

FIG. 6 shows a side cross sectional view of the second embodiment of thefeet washer. This configuration shows self contained feet wash 10 thatis configured as an elevated device. The configuration is similar to thefirst embodiment. In this embodiment a lip 35 extends over the air andwater pump 17, compressor 18 and storage tanks 16/19. The lip 36 isshown resting on housing or other support 37 that elevates the feetwash. The feet wash 10 is shown with the step pad 11 elevated and withthe sprayers in operation. One or more springs 28 maintain the step pad11 in the elevated or off position.

In most contemplated embodiments the water and air only spray when oneor more feet sufficiently depress the step pad 11 to activate a switch13 or valve. In this embodiment the water tank 19 is shown and the waterlevel 38 within the basin 31 that further provides for a storage ofwater. Water from the bottom of the basin 31 is drawn through the filter23 and into water tank 19 through pipe 12 and into the pump 17 where itis pumped out of the jets 27 where it sprays 35 and or the bubblers 26.

An air compressor 18 and an air tank 16 is shown to hold pressurized airthat allows for greater volume and pressure than the air compressor 18can provide by operating for the brief period while a person is on thestep pad 11. The central hub 39 allows for spray jets 27 to be placedbetween the feet to provide virtually a 360 degree spray of water aroundeach foot of a user.

It is further contemplated that the feet wash can be fabricated from aheavy woven material such that when pressure from the foot is applied,the valve(s) open to allow water and air at the pressure point therebyin turn trapping over spray of both air and water below the housing.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the foot washerand

FIG. 8 shows a side cross sectional view of the third embodiment of thefeet washer. This embodiment is similar the previously describedembodiments with a few exceptions that are noted and identified herein.In this embodiment only a single foot pad is used to wash only one footat a time. This reduces some redundant parts of the device and furtherreduces the foot print of the foot wash. In this embodiment the footwash has risers 50 that exist on at least two sides of the foot wash.The risers allow for a lower profile of the foot wash and also areelevated with a pivot arm 51 that elevates the risers 50 when a foot isplaced onto the bottom step 11 of the foot wash. In FIG. 8 the left sideis shown with the step 11 depressed and the right side is shown with thefoot pad 11 in the normal position. Another contemplated feature show inFIG. 8 is a bladder 52. The bladder 52 is squeezed when a user 33 stepsonto the step pad 11. The weight of the user creates the pressure thatforces water and or air out of the jets 27 to wash the foot. When thefoot 33 is removed from the step pad 11, the bladder will re-expand andfill to “load” for the next foot. While this embodiment shows risers ononly two sides it is contemplated that the risers can exist on one tofour sides.

Thus, specific embodiments of a clean feet foot washing device has beendisclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the artthat many more modifications besides those described are possiblewithout departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventivesubject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spiritof the appended claims.

1. A self contained foot washer comprising: a dish shaped basin having aplurality of dispensing heads; a pressure activated device; a waterreservoir a pump connected between said water reservoir and saiddispensing heads; an air compressor; a power source; connected in a selfcontained unit whereby when a person steps their foot or feet onto saidpressure activated device, water from said water reservoir is combinedwith air from said air compressor and emitted though said dispensingheads to remove debris from said persons' feet into the bottom of saiddish shaped basin.
 2. The self contained foot washer according to claim1 that further includes an air pressure storage tank.
 3. The selfcontained foot washer according to claim 1 wherein said pressureactivated switch is an electrical contact switch.
 4. The self containedfoot washer according to claim 3 wherein said power source is batteries.5. The self contained foot washer according to claim 4 wherein saidbatteries are rechargeable.
 6. The self contained foot washer accordingto claim 5 wherein that further includes a wall charger.
 7. The selfcontained foot washer according to claim 1 wherein said pressure switchis a pneumatic switch.
 8. The self contained foot washer according toclaim 6 wherein said power source is compressed air.
 9. The selfcontained foot washer according to claim 1 wherein said dish shapedbasin provides for placement of one or two feet.
 10. The self containedfoot washer according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of dispensingheads exists around each said persons' feet.
 11. The self contained footwasher according to claim 1 wherein said foot washer further includes adrain.
 12. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 whereinsaid foot washer further includes a filter to filter sand and debrissuch that water can be reused.
 13. The self contained foot washeraccording to claim 1 wherein said washing first is with water and thenwith air through said plurality of dispensing heads.
 14. The selfcontained foot washer according to claim 1 that further includes athermal water heater or cooler.
 15. The self contained foot washeraccording to claim 1 that further includes a soap dispenser.
 16. Theself contained foot washer according to claim 1 that further includes aconnection for an external water supply.
 17. The self contained footwasher according to claim 1 that includes a separate pressure switch foreach foot.
 18. The self contained foot washer according to claim 1 thatfurther includes a step pad.
 19. The self contained foot washeraccording to claim 1 wherein said step pad is supported by springs thatlower into and out of said dish shaped basin.
 20. The self containedfoot washer according to claim 1 wherein said pump is a bladder that ispressurized from weight of said person.